The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, has announced the immediate suspension of all transport unions operating in public motor parks across the state, citing worsening insecurity, recurring violence, and alleged criminal activities linked to the leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The decision, announced during a press conference on Monday, affects all transport unions, including motorcycle and tricycle operators, across the 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office (Modakeke).

ALGON said the move is aimed at restoring peace and protecting commuters, transport operators, and residents from escalating violence in motor parks.

Reps Begin Consideration Of Tinubu’s State Police Bill

Osun ALGON Suspends Transport Unions Over Security Concerns

Speaking on behalf of the association, ALGON said public motor parks have increasingly become hotspots for violent clashes and criminal activities, making them unsafe for both transport workers and passengers.

According to the association, the prolonged leadership crisis within the NURTW has contributed to repeated outbreaks of violence, disrupting commercial transport operations across Osun State.

ALGON accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to take decisive action against those allegedly responsible for the insecurity, claiming the government had allowed the situation to deteriorate.

The association maintained that the safety of residents could no longer be compromised due to political considerations.

Recent Violence Prompted Decision

ALGON referenced recent violent incidents in Osogbo allegedly involving the factional Chairman of the NURTW, Nurudeen Alowonle.

The association alleged that the incidents included the killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man, who is reportedly receiving medical treatment.

It added that the attacks triggered reprisal violence and prompted repeated security operations in motor parks as law enforcement agencies searched for suspected criminals.

According to ALGON, another protest erupted across several motor parks and garages on the day of the briefing, creating panic before security personnel restored calm.

Police Asked to Take Over Motor Parks

Following the suspension of transport union activities, ALGON called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately assume control of all public motor parks and garages across Osun State.

The association said the measure would help restore order, protect lives and property, and prevent further violence.

ALGON also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest Nurudeen Alowonle and other individuals allegedly connected with recent killings, insisting that justice must be served.

ALGON Cites Constitutional Powers

The association argued that local government councils possess the constitutional authority to regulate public motor parks.

It cited Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers local governments to administer motor parks, maintain public order, reduce violence, and improve internally generated revenue.

ALGON stressed that the constitutional provisions give elected local government chairmen the legal authority to establish management structures for motor parks and take necessary actions to preserve public safety.

Stakeholder Engagement to Continue

The association disclosed that local government chairmen would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives, and other stakeholders before announcing additional measures.

ALGON expressed confidence that suspending transport union activities and strengthening security around motor parks would restore normalcy and rebuild public confidence in Osun State’s transport system.

The association reiterated its commitment to ensuring that public motor parks remain safe, orderly, and free from criminal activities while protecting the lives of commuters and residents across the state.